A management framework to reduce delays in road construction projects in Sudan

Abstract

Road construction delays are a challenge for developing countries, and specifically for Sudan, where great economic costs result from difficulties in identifying and reducing the factors that cause delay. This paper addresses the key delay factors faced by the road construction industry in Sudan, and it proposes a management framework that has the potential to reduce this delay. The methodology used first critically reviewed relevant published studies, reports, policy documents and management steps used in different countries. Secondly, a structured questionnaire was produced through a two-day interactive workshop with the help of experts and professionals from the road construction industry in Sudan. Thirdly, Relative Importance Index was measured based on the individual responses towards delay factors in road construction projects, and then, the correlation between delay factors and the effects of delay were evaluated. Moreover, the initial findings were analysed and the factors were combined into six groups. The finance competence factors group was found to be the main contributor towards delays in road construction projects in Sudan. Some effective ways were proposed to overcome delays due to financing via use of strategic public and private partnerships for large-scale projects, introduction of bank financing schemes for medium-scale projects, and community-based partnership for small-scale projects. In the fourth stage, a management framework was developed using the ‘stage–gate’ approach and validated with the input from a panel of experts. The paper details the way a proposed management framework will work to design a construction project in an effective manner especially in Sudan.